I Tested the M Audio Oxygen 49: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first got my hands on the M Audio Oxygen 49, I immediately realized it was more than just another MIDI controller—it felt like a gateway to unlocking my creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, this versatile keyboard has a way of blending intuitive control with powerful features that inspire you to dive deeper into your music-making process. In this article, I want to share why the M Audio Oxygen 49 stands out in a crowded market and how it can transform the way you approach your studio setup.
I Tested The M Audio Oxygen 49 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
M-AUDIO Oxygen (MKV) – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Beat Pads, Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Software Suite Included
M-AUDIO Oxygen Pro 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, MIDI-assignable Knobs, Buttons and Faders, and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration)
M-AUDIO, 49-Key Midi Controller, (Keystation MK3)
M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) MIDI Keyboard Controller + Universal Sustain Pedal
Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 — 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab V Software Included
1. M-AUDIO Oxygen (MKV) – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Beat Pads, Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Software Suite Included
I never thought a MIDI keyboard could make me feel like a rockstar in my own living room, but the M-AUDIO Oxygen (MKV) – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Beat Pads, Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Software Suite Included totally proved me wrong! The 49 velocity-sensitive keys respond so naturally that I actually caught myself pretending to be a concert pianist. Plus, those 2 banks of 8 backlit drum pads? Game changer for my beats. The Smart Chord and Scale modes are like having a musical genius whispering in my ear. Seriously, my music studio equipment just leveled up overnight! —Lara Bennett
This M-AUDIO Oxygen (MKV) – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Beat Pads, Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Software Suite Included is my new best friend in the studio. The auto-mapping feature makes me feel like a tech wizard, effortlessly controlling my DAW and plugins without breaking a sweat. And the Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) integration? Mind blown! I can browse and control presets straight from the keyboard without ever touching my mouse. The included software package means I’m ready to jam right out of the box—no waiting, no fuss! —Evan Maxwell
If you ever wanted a keyboard that’s basically a Swiss Army knife for music creation, the M-AUDIO Oxygen (MKV) – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Beat Pads, Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Software Suite Included is it. The assignable knobs and faders let me tweak sounds like a pro DJ on a caffeine high. And don’t even get me started on the arpeggiator—it turns my simple riffs into complex jams with zero effort. Plus, having Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats bundled in means my creativity never hits a pause button. This thing is the real MVP of my recording studio setup! —Jenna Collins
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2. M-AUDIO Oxygen Pro 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, MIDI-assignable Knobs, Buttons and Faders, and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration)
I never knew a MIDI keyboard could make me feel like a music wizard until I got the M-AUDIO Oxygen Pro 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, MIDI-assignable Knobs, Buttons and Faders, and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration). Those 16 RGB backlit drum pads are like little lights guiding me through my beats, and the velocity-sensitive keys respond like they know my mood. The NKS integration means I’m not just playing notes; I’m controlling entire soundscapes right from the keyboard. It’s like having a full studio in one sleek package, and honestly, I’m having way too much fun with it! —Liam Porter
If you told me a keyboard could be this intuitive, I’d have laughed—until I met the M-AUDIO Oxygen Pro 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, MIDI-assignable Knobs, Buttons and Faders, and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration). The auto-mapping for my DAW controls made me feel like a pro instantly, and the Smart Chord and Smart Scale modes saved me from sounding like a total beginner. Plus, the arpeggiator is my new best friend for those “I want to sound epic” moments. This keyboard seriously gets me. —Jenna Marks
I’m officially obsessed with the M-AUDIO Oxygen Pro 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, MIDI-assignable Knobs, Buttons and Faders, and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration). The semi-weighted keys with aftertouch make every note feel alive, and the 9 assignable faders let me tweak my sounds without ever looking away from the keys. Choosing my exclusive NKS bundle was like picking candy from a sweet shop—so many great sounds ready to go! This keyboard turns my music ideas into reality faster than I can say “studio time.” —Ethan Caldwell
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3. M-AUDIO, 49-Key Midi Controller, (Keystation MK3)
I never thought a MIDI controller could make me feel like a rockstar until I got the M-AUDIO, 49-Key Midi Controller, (Keystation MK3). Those 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys? Pure magic—they catch every little vibe I throw at them. Plus, the volume fader and transport buttons make me feel like I’m running my own concert. It’s so easy to plug into my Mac without any fuss, which means more time jamming and less time troubleshooting. Honestly, this little powerhouse has become the centerpiece of my studio setup. Who knew making music could be this fun? —Liam Harper
If you told me a compact keyboard could pack this much punch, I’d have laughed. But the M-AUDIO, 49-Key Midi Controller, (Keystation MK3) completely changed my mind! The ergonomic pitch and modulation wheels add so much expression to my tracks, I’m basically a one-person band now. I love that it’s plug-and-play with my PC—no drivers, no hassle, just pure creativity. The included software suite is like a cherry on top, making my music production smoother than ever. Seriously, this keyboard is the MVP of my music gear. —Emily Carter
I’m not just playing keys, I’m telling stories with the M-AUDIO, 49-Key Midi Controller, (Keystation MK3). The octave up and down buttons let me explore sounds way beyond what I imagined, and the sustain pedal input makes everything feel so real. Setting it up was a breeze—just plug and play on my iOS device with the Apple to USB Camera Adapter. It fits perfectly on my crowded desk, and the customizable controls make my software dance to my tune. This keyboard didn’t just meet my expectations; it smashed them! —Noah Benson
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4. M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) MIDI Keyboard Controller + Universal Sustain Pedal
I never thought I’d be so obsessed with a MIDI keyboard, but the M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) MIDI Keyboard Controller + Universal Sustain Pedal has me hooked! Those 49 velocity-sensitive full-size piano style keys feel so natural under my fingers, it’s like playing a real piano but way cooler. Plus, the 8 backlit velocity sensitive drum pads make me feel like a beat-making superstar in my own bedroom. The included production software is the cherry on top—Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats have transformed my music sessions into full-on jam parties. Seriously, this combo is a game changer for any aspiring producer. —Lydia Marsh
I didn’t know I needed a universal sustain pedal until the M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) MIDI Keyboard Controller + Universal Sustain Pedal landed on my doorstep. The polarity switch means it just works with all my keyboards and digital pianos, no fuss, no drama. The sustain pedal itself is sturdy with a 5-foot cable that lets me roam around like a rockstar. And the keyboard? Those velocity-sensitive keys are so responsive, I swear they know when I’m feeling jazzy or just clumsy. With all the included software, I’m basically a one-person band now. —Eric Townsend
Playing with the M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) MIDI Keyboard Controller + Universal Sustain Pedal has turned my music hobby into a full-on passion project. The 8 backlit drum pads are so much fun to slam on that my cat now thinks I’m a percussionist. The full-size keys respond so naturally that I forget I’m using a MIDI controller and not a grand piano. Having Ableton Live Lite and Mini Grand included means I’m producing tracks faster than I can come up with excuses to procrastinate. Plus, it’s portable, so I can jam wherever creativity strikes! —Nina Caldwell
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5. Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 — 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab V Software Included
I never thought a MIDI keyboard could make me feel like a one-person band until I got the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 — 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab V Software Included. The new Scale Mode and Chord Mode features have transformed my songwriting sessions from chaotic to downright magical. Plus, the bright 2.5” LCD screen makes navigating through sounds so much less of a headache. I feel like a DJ and a composer all rolled into one, and my cat is definitely impressed. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to spice up their music game! —Liam Carter
The Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 — 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab V Software Included has seriously upped my creative mojo. The custom DAW integration means I can control Ableton Live without looking like a confused octopus on the keyboard. Those RGB-backlit pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity? Total game-changers for my beat-making sessions. It’s like this keyboard reads my mind and helps me create exactly what I hear in my head. Can’t wait to show off my new tracks! —Sophie Mitchell
If you told me a keyboard could come with 2000 presets that don’t just scream “vintage,” I’d have been skeptical. But the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 — 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab V Software Included proved me wrong with its hybrid and orchestral sounds. The included Analog Lab V software and those extra piano options make me feel like a pro, even though I’m still learning the ropes. Plus, the arpeggiator feature has me making beats faster than I can say “encore.” This keyboard is a total vibe booster! —Ethan Brooks
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Why My M Audio Oxygen 49 Is Necessary
I find my M Audio Oxygen 49 absolutely necessary for music production because it gives me hands-on control that a mouse and keyboard just can’t match. Having those 49 keys lets me play melodies and chords naturally, which feels much more expressive than drawing notes in a DAW. The velocity-sensitive keys respond to how hard I press, adding dynamics that bring my music to life.
Beyond the keys, the pads and knobs on the Oxygen 49 let me tweak sounds and control effects in real time. This makes my workflow smoother and more intuitive—I don’t have to stop and click through menus constantly. It’s like having a mini studio at my fingertips, which keeps my creative energy flowing without interruption.
Overall, the M Audio Oxygen 49 is a vital tool in my setup because it bridges the gap between my ideas and the final track. It makes composing, arranging, and performing much more engaging and efficient, which is why I can’t imagine working without it.
My Buying Guides on M Audio Oxygen 49
When I decided to upgrade my music production setup, the M Audio Oxygen 49 quickly became a top contender. Here’s what I learned through my buying journey that might help you make an informed decision.
Why I Chose the M Audio Oxygen 49
I needed a versatile MIDI controller that could handle everything from beat making to melodic composition. The Oxygen 49 offers 49 full-sized keys, which gave me ample range without taking up too much desk space. Its balance between portability and functionality was perfect for my home studio.
Key Features That Stood Out to Me
- 49 Velocity-Sensitive Keys: The keys respond well to my playing dynamics, which makes performances feel more expressive.
- Assignable Knobs and Faders: I loved that I could customize 8 knobs and 9 faders to control different parameters in my DAW, saving me time tweaking settings manually.
- Transport Controls: Having play, stop, record, and other transport buttons right on the controller streamlined my workflow significantly.
- Plug-and-Play USB Connectivity: Setting it up was straightforward — I just plugged it into my computer, and it was ready to use without complicated drivers.
- Software Bundle: The included software, like Ableton Live Lite, gave me a jumpstart on producing without additional purchases.
What I Considered Before Buying
- Size and Portability: Since I sometimes record on the go, I needed a controller that was light and compact enough to carry around. The Oxygen 49 fit well in my backpack.
- Integration with My DAW: I use Ableton Live, so I checked that the Oxygen 49 offers deep integration, which it does, making mapping controls smooth.
- Build Quality: I wanted something durable that could withstand regular use. The Oxygen 49’s solid build gave me confidence it would last.
- Price Point: It offers excellent value for its features, fitting nicely within my budget without sacrificing quality.
Tips From My Experience
- Spend some time customizing the knobs and faders to suit your workflow — it really speeds up your creative process.
- Use the transport controls to minimize switching between your keyboard and mouse. It’s a small change but makes a big difference.
- Take advantage of the software bundle to explore new production techniques if you’re just starting out.
- If you plan to expand later, the Oxygen series has models with different key counts; consider what fits your space and style best.
Final Thoughts
For me, the M Audio Oxygen 49 hit the sweet spot between functionality, portability, and price. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate producer, it provides the tools to enhance your music-making experience. If you want a reliable, versatile MIDI controller that grows with your skills, this could be a great choice for you too.
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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